Surgery was scheduled for the 11th April, 2005. Julie's surgery ,a modified radical mastectomy, involved the removal of her entire breast, nipple/areolar region, and also the axillary lymph nodes. This is the most common form of mastectomy performed today.

The operation typically takes 2 to 4 hours and usually involves a one to two night hospital stay. A single incision across half the chest allows the surgeon to remove the breast and the lymph nodes.

After surgery, two plastic tubes, each about the width of a pen are gently sewn into place to draw off fluids. The ends of these drains are attached to a pocket-sized suction device. These drains are 2 to 3 days after surgery. Although some women find this bothersome, it’s usually not painful.

Most women do not experience excessive pain following a modified radical mastectomy. It is common to use some pain medication for the first week or two after surgery and then just an over-the-counter pain reliever, if needed. A sensation of numbness can occur in the upper arm, which results from the loss of small nerves where the lymph nodes are removed. Some of this numbness may fade over time.

Fatigue is to be expected following the surgery. In addition to the emotionally draining experience of facing cancer surgery, it is physically taxing as well. Health care providers recommend that patients plan a lighter schedule, with the possibility of daily naps, for the weeks following surgery.